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Committees

Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)

The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) comprises 9-15 volunteers who provide advice and recommendations on allocation of funds, fee proposals, and project work to benefit the Siuslaw National Forest. Committee members represent a wide variety of backgrounds and interests including Native American tribes, government agencies, industry representatives, environmental advocates, recreation groups, and local residents.

Working collaboratively with the Siuslaw National Forest, the RAC makes funding recommendations for projects proposed under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS Act). Projects may receive Title II funding if they make investments in, and create employment opportunities through:

  • Improved maintenance of existing infrastructure.
  • Implementation of stewardship objectives to enhance forest ecosystems.
  • Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality. 

The Siuslaw RAC is now recruiting for members for the 2026 cohort. Members serve four year terms and can expect to participate in one meeting every other year. Participation is voluntary and applicants are subject to a federal background check. For more information, email SM.FS.siuslaw_RAC@usda.gov

Secure Rural Schools Act

In 2000, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 106-393), also known as Payments to Counties, to provide support for counties that have historically depended on income from federal timber programs.

The Siuslaw RAC reviews and makes recommendations on project proposals requesting funding under Title II of the act.  Proposed projects need not be implemented on Forest Service lands, but must show benefit to national forest resources. The RAC may also review and make recommendations on recreation fee proposals.

Projects that Qualify for Title II Funding

Projects considered for Title II funding make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:

  • Improving existing infrastructure maintenance
  • Implementing stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystem
  • Restoring and improving land health and water quality
  • Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations
  • Projects must be consistent with applicable resource management plans and any watershed or subsequent plans developed pursuant to the resource management plan 

The funds may be used for projects with broad-based support and objectives that include:

  • Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration
  • Soil productivity improvement
  • forest ecosystem health improvements
  • Watershed restoration and maintenance
  • Wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement
  • Noxious and exotic weeds control
  • Native species re-establishment

At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restore streams and watersheds. If a project will not occur on Forest Service land, it must have clear direct or indirect benefits to Forest Service resources. Furthermore, these benefits must be clearly stated and emphasized in the project proposal. 

How to Apply for Title II Funds

Proposals for new Title II funds are accepted from:

  • Tribes
  • Federal agencies
  • State and local governments
  • Private entities
  • Nonprofit entities
  • Landowners

When Title II funding is allocated and the Siuslaw RAC is prepared to convene, a formal solicitation is released to the public for new funding proposals. The solicitation details specific information on application materials, process for submission, and due dates.

Project proposals are not being accepted at this time. Email sm.fs.siuslaw_RAC@usda.gov for more information.

Past RAC Meetings & Projects

Last updated March 27th, 2025